Final answer:
Qualitative research is the appropriate process to explore how people handle problematic areas in their lives, as it allows for in-depth understanding of experiences using methods like interviews. Sociological models like the family life cycle are used to contextualize these social processes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The study of social processes that people use to handle problematic areas of their lives, such as a parent dealing with a child who has cancer or adjusting to the death of a spouse, falls under Qualitative research. Qualitative research is a method used in sociological studies to explore and understand individuals' experiences, reactions, and adaptations to various life challenges and changes. This approach often involves in-depth interviews, participant observation, and other methods that allow researchers to gather rich, detailed narratives and insights into the human aspects of social life.
The family life cycle and family life course models are examples of sociological frameworks used to analyze the progression and dynamics of families as they move through various stages and experiences, providing context to the social processes being studied.